Shepway (Folkestone and Hythe)

The backdrop

The area features some of Kent’s most wonderful countryside, from the hidden valleys of the North Downs to the huge skies and profound tranquillity of parts of the Romney Marsh. Despite the presence of Dungeness nuclear power station, the M20 and the Channel Tunnel terminal at Cheriton, much of the district is unspoilt and it remains a popular tourist destination.
The council renamed itself Folkestone & Hythe District Council in April 2018, but the committee has agreed to retain the name Shepway.

Chairman

Graham Horner

The issues

The council resolved to grant outline planning permission at Otterpool Park on April 4, 2023, to provide 8,500 homes, a town centre, shops, leisure, educational and cultural facilities and employment land. A programme of community consultation was rolled out for phase 1B of the development in July 2023, with the aim of drawing up a vision for the proposed Hilltop and Woodland Ridge neighbourhoods. It was hoped that a Community Review Panel would be set up with local people helping to shape the emerging Framework Masterplan & Design Code and that a draft Framework Masterplan and Design Code would be worked up by the end of 2023, with the finalised documents being submitted to the council in spring 2024. However, the delivery programme has slipped. It appears there’s a dispute between the council and Homes England regarding a suitable funding and delivery partner (with experience of delivering a scheme of the size of the proposed new garden settlement). The CEO of Otterpool Park LLP (wholly owned by FHDC) has resigned as his recommendation for a partner was not agreed. Tendering for a strategic partner was expected to take place in September 2024.